Sick-in-Guatemala

Yesterday, Secretary of State John Kerry was in Guatemala and Peace Corps volunteers were invited to a special meet and greet. Unfortunately, I woke up at 3am with a high fever and various other symptoms that informed me I had eaten something that was not properly disinfected. Little to say, I did not get to meet the Secretary of State but my fellow friends did. Peace corps volunteers came from all over the country to greet him. 

 He was also welcomed by the US ambassador Arnold A. Chacon 

that's him on the right

....

 and once again, second to the right.

Intestinal bugs have been a daily struggle while living here in Guatemala. All vegetables and fruit have to be disinfected with bleach before consumed or else you'll be regretting it for days on end. Fortunately, I have strayed clear from street food and was never hit with Montezuma revenge until yesterday. Many of my friends have spent many days in their service as a Peace Corps Volunteer battling illnesses, intestinal problems and gnarly infections. I even had a friend who's gums started to bleed because he had such a high fever/infection. Another friend currently has ascaris worms (google that) and goodness gracious nobody wants those. Things can get nasty real quick. So, although my sickness got in the way of some serious once in a lifetime plans- I am glad to have almost passed 2 years without the inevitable run in with the runs. 

The hardest part about being sick is being alone and sick. Having to take care of yourself with a fever seems like the worst thing in the world. Also, riding the public transportation with with a fever... let's just say I won't ever do that again.

xoxo

Comida Chappina

La comida chappina, the Guatemalan diet. Corn, beans and sweet drinks are the basic to any guatemalans diet. The beans and tortillas really took a toll on me at first but now I don't know how I will manage back at home without these beautiful corn tortillas sold hot on the street at all hours of the day.
Lately I have been able to see the beauty in the basics of the rural cuisine and I want to share with you a few of my favorite dishes as well as some of the amazing and exotic fruits that one can find in Guatemala.
Buen Provecho!

Tamalitos Siete capas.

Seven layer little Tamales.

I have a very thoughtful friend who constantly brings me watermelons from his farm, fresh bread that his mom bakes and local typical food fresh off the comal. He recently brought me these one evening after I had already eaten dinner. I told him I would try them the next day but they were warm and tempting so I decided to try one while it was still warm- then, I ate 2 more.

It is basically the corn tortilla with beans rolled up inside and a nice sauce called chirmol on the side. Beautiful swirls and beautifully basic. Thank you Guatemala!

It is bean season down here and everyone is harvesting their crop. Beans are quite the staple food down here and they are delicious when fresh!

speckled beans

about an hours worth of bean shucking 

lovely colors

Flor de izote

This is an edible flower that they put in soups, tamales or scrabbled up with eggs. They are a little bitter but there is just something intriguing about eating a flower. 



Queso Fresco, fresh country cheese wrapped in a banana tree leave. Makes a beautiful presentation.



Mango pico loro (Toucan Mango) 



Zapotes.

Beautiful and resembling the Persimmon, zapotes are quite the indulgence. 

Manzana rosa, (rose apples) which have a taste of rose petals to them.